NEWS RELEASES

January 14, 1998 No. 10

CANADA SIGNS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE

SUPPRESSION OF TERRORIST BOMBING OFFENCES

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that Canada has signed the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing Offences. Canada's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Robert Fowler, signed the Convention in New York, on behalf of the Government of Canada. The Convention was prepared at the initiative of the G-8, in response to increasing terrorist bombing attacks and new threats resulting from the terrorist use of chemical or biological agents and toxins.

"This Convention is an important step in the fight against international terrorism," said Mr. Axworthy. "It will close a major gap in the international legal framework against terrorism, and promote the international community's commitment to fight terrorism in all forms, irrespective of motive."

"The successful conclusion of this Convention is also tangible evidence that the counter-terrorism agenda developed by the Summit Eight partners can bring speedy and effective results that benefit the wider international community," added Mr. Axworthy.

Under this new counter-terrorism Convention, countries agree to recognize a new international offence, namely, the targeting of public places, government or infrastructure facilities, or transportation systems with explosives or other lethal devices, with the intent of causing death or serious injury, or the extensive destruction of property.

The Convention also obliges countries to take jurisdiction, in some circumstances, over offences committed abroad, and to prosecute offenders or extradite them. Moreover, suspects will not be able to escape extradition solely because their crime was based on political motives. Finally, the Convention contains provisions on mutual legal assistance and information exchanges.

The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1997. Canada played a major role in drafting the initial text of this Convention, and chaired the negotiations.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca